Le Métier de Beauté Indelible Inks Eyeliners($28 each) are a remarkably beautiful and long-lasting pair of liners that live up to their name. I’ve been wearing these continuously for about two weeks. When I say “continuously,” I mean that in both senses of the word–I can wear these overnight without crumbling, fading or irritation, and the colors are so beautiful that I’ve had a hard time emotionally choosing any other liner in my collection as a substitute.

The color is rich and saturated enough to use instead of a black. Sometimes colored liners are so light or anemic that I really do need to pair them with a richer color to get proper definition. Not so with Le Metier’s Artemis. This is richly pigmented deep blue that shows the color beautifully without any other color. It looks amazing with a nude eye, for example Nars All about Eve duo eyeshadow or other soft beige. This gives a well-defined, but subtly brightened color.

Do not fear the brush, gentle readers. It’s quite easy peasy. After experimenting (although I stopped short of cutting the brush short with scissors), I found the best method of application for me is to lay the brush lengthwise along my lashline and to pull it horizontally across my upper lid. This gives me a rich swath of even color (once is enough for both of these Le Metier colors). I might use the tip of the brush for under eye definition, except I don’t wear liner there. My point is, it’s a perfectly workable brush.

Le Metier de Beauté Indelible Inks Eyeliners is also available in Casatalia, a rich purple with far less shimmer compared to Artemis. The formula is otherwise identical–all-day (and all-night) wear, great coverage in a single swipe, awesome rich color.

Le Metier de Beaute is releasing the Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo ($150/pack of 8). For northern California buyers, Jennifer at Neiman Marcus can help you with these (415-362-3900).

Le Metier’s Ultra Hydration Masks include eight envelopes, each of which contain two patches applied to the eye area to provide an instant moisture infusion into the skin. These are wet to the touch with a seaweed-based patch, and are intended to hydrate, soothe, and provide these other skin benefits:

– Reduce undereye redness and soothe

– Diminish puffiness

– Provide a smoother undereye area

These jelly-like mask are housed in a foil envelope to keep them fresh. When you open the pouch, you can see these two bean-shaped patches are ready to go:

One of the features that makes the Le Metier Ultra Hydration Duo unique is the translucent aspect of the mask. On Liz:

I think we’ve all surprised our friends and families with our all-white paper masks, or green concoctions that we’ve worn during our at-home spa days. Le Metier’s eye mask has a high-techie coolness that will far less startling for those who share our home because these little masks are transparent. They would be awesome for a spa party, of course. For the brave, they would be nice for all-night flight (once the cabin lights are down), or maybe even a late-night commute alone in a car. I used to have to drive two hours, these masks certainly would have made the ride more enjoyable. They feel like a luxurious treat, and something that will undoubtedly make the toll-booth operator look twice.

I’ve used a similar product from Chanel, the Ultra Correction Total Eye Revitalizer ($125/10 pieces). The Chanel is a two-piece system, with a separate tube of product that is applied to the eye prior to placing the mask on the eye. The Chanel system, which uses a separate applicator for the hydrating serum, has a metal ball that must be run over the eye area. In contrast, the Le Metier system is a single-use all-in-one solution. For Le Metier, one simply opens the pouch, place these on the eye area, and leave on for a cooling, calming, hydrating 15 minutes.

Of course, with the Chanel system one is wearing a white paper under the eye with “Chanel Chanel Chanel” printed all over it. It’s not a bad look (Chanel never is, in my book), but it’s certainly extremely noticeable if one is answering the door.

Overall, Chanel has a less expensive system, as it sells for a lower price for more applications (never thought I’d say that). Note that the Chanel system’s separate serum can continue to be used after all of the eye masks are gone (in my experience, there is more than ten applications in the serum tube, so you can whisk it over your eye before applying your makeup for the day even if you aren’t wearing the masks anymore).However, the Chanel lacks the convenience compared to Le Metier (never thought I’d say that either). If one is crashing at home for some quality time with an at-home mani/pedi, there’s something quite luxurious about opening up the Le Metier system and being ready to go. If you enlarge this image, you can see the ingredients for Le Metier Ultra Hydration Mask at the bottom of the pouch:

I have to give Le Metier points for innovation on this one. Overall, Le Metier’s Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo is a luxurious at-home spa treat. I wish the price were a bit lower for these as single-use products, but we are discussing the high end of the ranges for skincare. According to Le Metier, these are gentle enough to use everyday and should be left on for 15 minutes.

For northern California buyers, Jennifer at Neiman Marcus can help you with these (415-362-3900). Tell her Cafe Makeup sent you!

Cafe Makeup was provided with with one foil pouch without charge for consideration for review.

Le Metier de Beaute Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit ($95) (available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus) is a beautiful jewel of primarily red lip colors with an outstanding formula. Although I’ve never been a big fan of lip palettes, the secure construction of Breathless, coupled with the high-quality, layerable forumala, made Breathless a big winner for me.

As a testament to the versatility of Le Metier’s Breathless palette, Liz and I had our “who’s going to own this?” back-and-forth. Although Liz won this round (it’s going into her holiday and New Year’s Eve looks), I suspect I’ll end up ordering another for my own use.

Le Metier de Beaute’s Breathless includes four layers of gorgeous colors that seem to meld to the lips in a very flattering way. I think that the difference between a typical versus a superior lip product is whether it makes your lips (and your appearance) actually look better. That’s a high standard to meet–it’s not just color charts and copying the latest trend. It’s all about making you more beautiful, and Le Metier’s formula has a magical way of accomplishing that. Lips look moisturized, healthy, and with a gorgeous splash of color that is very flattering.

Breathless has four beautiful colors:

1st layer (top) A rich cool red with lipstick-level pigmentation (that can be worn sheered out for a more subtle look)

2nd layer A sheer shimmery mauve-peach, to be worn alone or to top another color

3rd layer A rich warm red (that can be worn sheerly for a more subtle look)

4th layer A light-to-medium strawberry pink-red with subtle shimmer

Swatches:

On Liz, the top 1st layer, which is a cool red. Here, Liz applied this strong shade sheerly (the swatch photo, above, is full pigmentation):

The 2nd layer, which gives a shimmery sheer gloss effect:

The 3rd layer, which is a warmer red than the 1st layer:

The 4th layer, which is a sheer-to-medium strawberry with shimmer:

So pretty!! Le Metier de Beaute’s Breathless offers a beautiful and versatile shade range in an excellent, flattering formula.

Le Metier de Beaute provided this Breathless palette to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.

Le Metier de Beaute has just introduced the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set ($265 for both products, sold as a set). This set is designed to provide professional, spa-like results in the privacy of your own home. Le Metier asked the company’s artist Richard to meet us at Neiman Marcus San Francisco to walk us through a demonstration of these two new gorgeous products.

First, Richard cleansed Liz’s skin with the Le Metier de Beaute Daily Renew Cleanser ($50) to remove her makeup. Then, he applied the Le Metier de Beaute Daily Refresh ($50) to balance, condition and prepare her skin for the treatments to follow. Liz really enjoyed the luxurious feeling of both, plus Richard’s professional care gave her a relaxing moment in our otherwise busy day.

Richard showed us the Le Metier de Beaute’s CHEM60 Pro-Peel, a brush-on product that includes a blend of salicylic and glycolic acids. The nozzle can be turned “off” and “on” to preserve the product and guard against leaking.

This is designed to gently penetrate the skin. The dead skin cells are exfoliated to reveal the underlying younger skin in as little as 60 seconds. As you can see, it’s clear and actually feels nice when applied–there is no burning or harshness. One applies a light layer to the face, and leave on for about one minute. Avoid the eye area and hairline.

Particularly if you have sensitive skin, you will want to use a timer. Those with more resilient skin might go up to five minutes. You’ll want to start with less time, to test your own reaction. Then, remove with a damp cloth, or splashing with water. Next, Le Metier de Beaute’s GLOW10ai Mask, which has a soup-like consistency.

According to Le Metier, the GLOW10ai Mask contains an “unprecedented concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and hydrators to help skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening skin’s overall appearance.” Here are some additional benefits described by the company:

A sophisticated blend of moisturizers helps renew the appearance of damaged, dull-looking skin

The appearance of hyperpigmentation is noticeably lessened and improved

Suppleness and smoothness are greatly restored, resulting in a fresh, hydrated surface.

Although this can be applied with fingers, Richard used Le Metier’s foundation brush:

This part is left on for 5-15 minutes, until it is completely dry. Then Richard (literally) peeled the mask from Liz, leaving her skin feeling like absolutely glowing velvet.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to try this myself, I was able to see a highly moisturized, plumped appearance on Liz. Even the next day, her skin had a baby-like entirely smooth texture. Le Metier’s system CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set really delivered visible, gorgeous results.

The results certainly mirrored or exceeded the in-spa facials that I’ve gotten in the past. I’m seriously considering ordering a set so I can try it out. Liz, who is no stranger to facials, really loved this as perhaps the best treatment she’s had yet. Here’s Liz with her newly glowing skin (no makeup):

Le Metier de Beaute’s On the Coast Palette ($95) was a “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” release on Saks.com about two weeks ago. Because so many more wanted to purchase it, they company has promised to replenish the stock of the palette. Here is the former onsite link, although I don’t know for certain whether Saks will use the same page when the re-stocking occurs.

I’ve been reaching for this palette more days than not since it arrived. It’s extraordinarily easy to use. Typically, I use the lightest color as a lid wash (up to the crease), then choose either the second or third level to put into the cease. If I have a few more seconds, I’ll add the blue as a liner. Done. Polished. Shimmery. Pretty. Although you could easily layer these shades, I think they work quite well on their own, blended together.

The first layer is a shimmery beach sand color, a cool-toned beige that is quite close to my natural skin color:

The second layer is a shimmery taupe:

The third is a shimmery rich bronze:

The fourth layer is a medium shimmery blue:

First set of swatches:

Additional swatches:

Final set, very similar but just because:

Overall, this is a highly usable, high quality neutral palette. As you may recall, this palette was originally produced to commemorate the line’s addition to Saks.com, and I believe it serves that purpose well. The colors are true crowd-pleasers, versatile, and will look good on a variety of skin-tones.

I almost didn’t post this review, because I know that some are unhappy that the palette was produced in a boutique quantity for national release. I have found the palette extremely useful, so I thought I’d go ahead (actually, I’m sort of in love with it). It’s a great everyday palette, true to its coastal theme (a vibrant purple-blue instead of the blue would have added an edge, but I’m not complaining. The blue is a gorgeous blue). Indeed, the colors are so friendly that some might check their Le Metier stash to see whether they might own some of these colors already. Having said that, I’m happy to pack my On the Coast with me on future trips. The versatility of this palette makes it well worth the tiny amount of space it’s going to occupy. Well done, Le Metier!!

Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Lipstick in Fiji ($32) is a vibrant pink coral moisturizing luxury lipstick. Although it looks rather gentle in tone in the tube, Liz found that it applied with a vibrancy and comfort that demonstrates that the pigments and ingredients of this lipsticks are truly top-drawer. Here are comparisons between Le Metier’s Dubai, Fuji and Paris:

Liz and I found that Fiji applied as a very gentle light pink on lips. Liz’s warm skin tones brought out some of the pink in Fiji–the peachy tone of Fiji in the tube does not seem to have translated to Liz’s lips. We both went “oooooh!” when she applied it because it seemed to transform a bit. On me, it applies much less vibrantly, as a quieter gentle warm somewhat light rose.

The coverage is very opaque-Le Metier’s Fiji covers my pigmented lips entirely. This is very unusual for a lipstick with such a light tone. Usually, lighter toned lipsticks are too sheer on me. As a tribute to its quality, the opacity does not create any chalky or require a thick layer of lipstick. I think we’ve all seen the “pile on the lipstick” effect that starts to creep into lip lines (not attractive, and very aging). The Le Metier Color Core formula means business–it covers with a thin layer of product, and the moisturizing formula adds a youthful, creamy glow.

Bottom line–awesome formula for someone who wants to look sophisticated without piling on layers of color. Moisturizing, lovely universal color and awesome coverage without requiring layers of pigment. Unfortunately, my love affair with Fiji will be short-lived, as Liz has claimed Fiji as her go-to Spring 2012 color. It’s ready for you, Liz!

Le Metier de Beaute sent Fiji to Cafe Makeup for consideration for review.

Le Metier de Beaute has released an amazing line of vibrant Color Core Lipsticks ($32 each) for Spring 2012, including Paris. Be still my heart, a lipstick named after my favorite city.

First of all, I should say that these lipsticks feel very moisturizing, yet they seem to last a few hours on me. That’s pretty unusual for me–lipsticks rarely last more than one hour on me because I’m always talking, drinking water, and the like throughout the day. There’s no question that Le Metier de Beaute’s lipsticks are worthy of the label “high end luxury.”

Paris is a gorgeous, vibrant magenta pink that’s both striking and feminine. Opaque in one swipe, the color gives a soft, vibrant glow. The texture is very creamy with very tiny sparkle that is not perceptible unless you are focusing very, very close. This feels very balmy and yet it retains a very saturated color.

Here is Le Metier de Beaute Paris compared to Dubai and Fiji, also released with this same Spring 2012 Collection, which are far softer in tone:

Here’s a full face picture with Le Metier Paris on Liz:

Bottom line–if you want to wear some of the vibrant cool tone pinks on the lips, you’ll get an amazing formula and gorgeous glow with Le Metier de Beaute’s Paris. A luxurious, striking color.

Le Metier de Beaute sent Color Core in Paris to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.

Over the weekend, Le Metier de Beaute released information about its upcoming On the Coast Kaleidoscope Eyeshadow palette, which was due to be launched today on Saks.com. For some reason, it launched a day early and sold out in hours. There was a twinkling of hope this morning, when the palette re-appeared for sale. I was able to place an order because I had bookmarked the page and checked in about 6 am California time. A few of my twitter followers apparently snagged it too. Unfortunately, it sold out again this morning.After emailing the company (I’m sure I wasn’t alone!), I received this delightful email which is also posted on Le Metier’s Facebook page:

Color us crazy but we had no idea that a Kaleidoscope could cause such a ruckus!

Our sincerest apologies! Both Le Métier de Beauté and the Saks.com team did not know that the page would go live prior to the announced launch date. A glitch in their system pushed the page out earlier than planned and for that we sincerely apologize.

Due to the overwhelming outcry for “On The Coast,” we are going to do something that we have never done before… make more. Keep an eye on Saks.com for the page to go back up -> you will be able to pre-order “On The Coast” until Friday, April 27th at 12pm or until supplies last.

Thank you for your passion and…we’re listening!

My advice? Bookmark the page, and also check around Saks.com a bit over the coming days as well. My fingers are crossed for you! Between you and me, Le Metier is a growing company that turns out excellent products. I’m so impressed that they were responsive to the comments from fans from Twitter, Facebook and email. What more can you ask? Not every makeup company would refresh their stock in response to consumer demand–ahem.

If you are ordering, enter code LEMETIER2 at checkout for a free Bora Bora Eyeshadow palette, which includes three shades– a warm peach, a shimmering gold and a cocoa brown.

*ONLY ONE PER CUSTOMER. LIMIT OF FIVE PROMO CODES PER ORDER. Offer valid at Saks.com through Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 11:59pm (ET) or while supplies last. Please enter promo code LEMETIER2 at checkout. Purchase must contain $50 of Le Métier de Beauté product. This purchase at Saks.com excludes shipping, taxes, gift-wrap. No adjustments to prior purchases. This offer is not transferable. Valid on shipments to US addresses only. Not valid on international shipments.

Le Metier de Beaute has released a Blush Kaleidoscope ($95/ Neimans in Troy, Michigan), which includes a combination of colors made with a high-quality, beautifully milled powder. The Best Things In Beauty has been tracking the line’s limited releases this season, and most of them I’ve skipped. With this exception. I find that very high-quality blush palettes are rare, so I called to order one when this was released. Because I don’t own any of Le Metier’s powder blushes (typically sold for $30 each), this seems a safe introduction to this aspect of the line.

Overall, I’m incredibly pleased with the palette. The blushes can be layered beautifully. The power is finely milled, so that one can layer without the color blocking up or caking (I wore the top three levels layered and loved the pink-peach-gold effect). The pigmentation is excellent-a dense brush lays down significant color and a soft brush just a bit. There is a range of textures from matte to shimmer. Le Metier de Beaute has included a “shimmer” shade that can be layered with the matte shades to add versatility. I’m very glad that I’ve ordered it, and I know I’ll get significant use from it.

First, the basics. The packaging:

The label:

The ingredients (click to enlarge):

As with other Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscopes, the packaging is extremely compact and seems quite strong. It has a flip-top mirror and swing-out pans. The pans are unnamed:

Level 3 is a honey gold shimmer that can be used alone as a warm shimmer or layered over the other colors. Unsurprisingly, this shade is not entirely transparent–so when you lay down this color over another, it knocks down the pigmentation a bit. In other words, it adds a touch of gold nude in addition to the shimmer. If you like, you can limit this layer to the upper cheekbones:

Layer 4 is a gorgeously shimmery cool pink:

Swatches of all shades:

Here’s a quick attempt to put the gold Layer 3 over the two matte layers:

Overall, Le Metier has a winner here. The price works out to about $25 per blush. If you care, the box lists the total weight as 0.49 ozs. The colors are highly wear-able, on trend, beautifully made, and the packaging is modern and travel-friendly. Yes, yes, yes!!

Le Metier de Beaute’s Creme Fresh Tint in Coral Nymph ($28) is a light, fresh color that is geared to look very natural. Here are comparison swatches next to Bobbi Brown’s Cabo Coral and Bobbi Brown’s Calypso Coral. There’s a natural tone to Coral Nymph that is more of a very soft whisper, even when heavily applied.

If you think that Coral Nymph is still too strong, the comparatively nude Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tint in Ginger Lilly and Poppy are softer still:

If you are pale, or prefer very subtle color, Le Metier’s Creme Fresh Tints are well worth a look. Here is Coral Nymph on Liz:

Le Metier de Beaute sent both Creme Fresh Tint in Coral Nymph and Ginger Lily to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.